Edward Michael

Edward Michael, 75, husband of Estella Ziankoski Michael, passed away on Sunday evening, March 12, 2006, at Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, where he had been a resident since March 3. Ed was born July 18, 1930 in Yonkers, son of John and Barbara Kmety Michael. He attended Yonkers Elementary School, moving to Lowville at a young age where resided with William and Theora Hanno. Ed graduated from Lowville Academy with the Class of 1948. During and following high school he was employed at Hurds Studio, Lowville, specializing in portraits and weddings, where he did his own advertising and submitted pictures for publications. In January 1952 he entered the U.S. Navy, serving stateside. He was most proud of his assignment to the U.S. Naval Photographic Interp. Center, Washington, DC. After his honorable separation from the Navy in November 1953 he served with the in U.S. Naval Reserve. On June 6, 1953 Ed was united in marriage with Estella Ziankoski at St. Josephï¿(TM)s Church, Boonville. The couple lived in Boonville before moving to Utica, where he had worked as a professional photographer, later purchasing Ryders Camera Studio on Genesee Street. His professional career spanned 58 years, starting at the age of 16 when he photographed his first wedding. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica, the Utica Curling Club since 1957, the United Polka League of Utica, the Country Western Line Dancing Group of Oneida, and was a past member of the Utica Kiwanis Club. Ed is responsible for the many great pictures and posters at the Curling Club and was well known for his call, "Ya-Ya-Ya", as he snapped a photo. He curled on many teams, some in the mens league and often with Estella on the "mixed" teams. In the past few years he curled with a special group that eventually became known as the "Old Mans Team" and they represented Utica in many Bonspiels here and away. Other members of the team were Gil Hurd, Jack Haggerty, and Ed Boerger. Ed and Estella played golf with the Broomsters, a group of active and former curlers and friends of "a more interesting age" at Sauquoit Knolls Golf Club in Clayville. They enjoyed the 19th hole with their many friends. Ed also became a skilled repairman of golf clubs. In addition to his wife, Estella, he is survived by a brother: John and wife June Michael of Boonville; one half-brother: Raymond Komka of Webster; a sister-in-law: Mrs. Charlotte Rava of Boonville; one brother-in-law: Stanley Ziankoski of New Hartford; and four special nieces and caregivers: Deborah Hopps of Austin, TX, Denise Hawk of Umatilla, FL, Diane Rava of Atlanta, GA, and Dawn Rava-Crofoot of Boonville. He was predeceased by his precious canine companion, Mink. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 pm (noon), Thursday, at St. Josephï¿(TM)s Church, Charles St., Boonville, with Rev. Donald H. Karlen, Pastor as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Josephï¿(TM)s Cemetery, Boonville, at a later date. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Trainor Funeral Home, 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, from 10 am to 11 am Thursday, prior to a prayer service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to either St. Josephï¿(TM)s Church Memorial Fund, Church St., Boonville, NY 13309, or to the Utica Curling Club, 8300 Clark Mills Road, Whitesboro, NY 13492.